Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘The Righteous’ Category

The Pain of Remaining the Same

Posted in government, The Father, The Righteous on February 5, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Now the time that the sons of Israel lived in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years. Exodus 12:40

2All the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron; and the whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! 3“Why is the LORD bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become plunder; would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” 4So they said to one another, “Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt.” Numbers 14:2-4

Most people know the following quote: “A person will remain the same until the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of change.”  I was thinking about this after seeing an article about how our country needs to return to the ways of the past.  There is a conservative movement to return to the way things were because people do not like the changes that are taking place and they remember what it used to be like and want to return to those “good old” days.

The same happened with the children of Israel.  They did not want to face the wilderness or the unknown between the land of Egypt and the land of promise.  When things got difficult in the wilderness they would gripe and complain and say that they would have been better off in Egypt.  They spent 430 years under the Egyptians and cried out to God for deliverance; but when God sent Moses to deliver them and they ended up in the wilderness, they wanted to return to oppression of Egypt.  They did not like the change.

It is never God’s will for us to remain the same.  God wants us to grow and mature in our faith and walk with Him.  We can’t be afraid of change.  If we do not change, we cannot grow and experience all that God has for us.  Even when looking at the state of our country the answer is not in looking back but in looking forward and having a vision for the future.

However, when we are in the unknown it is easier to reflect on what we do know even if that past situation brought us pain.  So let it not be that the only time we are willing to change is when the “pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of change.”  Change does not have to be painful but we should embrace it and realize that God is always looking to take us to another level of faith and glory.

So if you are going through a difficult time right now, don’t look back to Egypt; hold onto the promise of God and know that the best is yet to come.  That is what happened with Israel – they went from the bondage of Egypt, to the wilderness, and into the promise land that flowed with milk and honey.  Your promise land is ahead never behind.

Read Full Post »

White as Snow

Posted in Crucified, Grace, Jesus, Knowing God, Love, Salvation, Sin, The Righteous on February 1, 2011| Leave a Comment »

“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool.”  Isaiah 1:18

Here in New England we have had several snow storms and there is snow everywhere.  Before the snow could melt from one storm another storm came bringing more snow.  There are piles of snow all over the place and many people are tired of all this snow. So today I began to reflect on the meaning of snow and its relevance in the bible.

Snow represents purity.  Snow is very bright and brings a cleansing to the environment.  When snow falls it is so pretty and makes everything it touches look beautiful and new.  A tree without its leaves that is dormant in the winter seems to come alive when there is snow piled on its branches and trunk.  However, once the snow plows and salt trucks come and plow the snow it becomes very dirty and almost looks like dirt on the sides of the road.  It doesn’t take much to ruin the whiteness and brightness of snow.  But in the Kingdom the opposite happens.

When we were sinners our sins were red as crimson.  Red is a very strong color.  It is a primary color.  If you have a red stain on a white shirt it is very hard to remove that red stain.  Even if most of the stain is gone your eye is still drawn to that spot.  But in the Kingdom when a sinner accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior their sins become white as snow.  They become pure just like the snow when it falls from the sky and covers the area.  Think about it – once our sins were so evident and red; however, since the death and resurrection of Jesus they are now like wool, white as snow.

So the next  time you see the snow fall or you are looking out your window at all the snow covering your neighborhood, think of Jesus and what His death on the cross did for us – we all became white as snow.  This is how God sees His children as pure as the new fallen snow.

Read Full Post »

How Are You Doing?

Posted in Knowing God, Love, The Father, The Righteous on January 28, 2011| Leave a Comment »

You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11

Are you happy?  The other day I was watching Oprah and she had this question as her topic of the day.  Most people in the audience said they were happy.  A lot of the questions about happiness were based on people’s circumstance.  I think most people will say they are happy based on their circumstance.  They also talked about how happiness is both genetic and can be influenced by the environment.

Recent polls show that many people are not happy with the direction our country is going.  They also are not happy with the economy or how our government is running the country.  So there are many people out there who are not happy.

These past few years have been some of the most challenging times in my life and at times the most difficult but I can say with confidence that I am at my most happiest.  Why?  I have really discovered that true joy can only be experienced in God.  It has been through these challenges and difficulties that I have learned to just stay in the presence of God.  It is in His presence that we experience fullness of joy and pleasures forever.  In God’s presence you do not experience the heaviness and burdens of the world.  Whenever I feel stressed or discouraged I seek the Lord and just rest in His presence.  His joy is my strength.

Too often we have imagined an angry God, or God being aloof and not interested in what is going on in our life.  This simply is not true.  God knows everything about us and has a will and purpose for our life.  He has a hope and a future for us.  He does not wish us harm but wants to see us prosper in everything.  So if you are looking for happiness you will find it in God.  You may find it in other things or circumstances but those are just temporary things.  In the presence of God there is fullness of joy – it is complete.  It is an eternal joy that has no end.

The world needs to experience this joy.  They are hungry for it.  So let’s continue to abide in the presence of God so that the world may experience the fullness of joy.

Read Full Post »

24 Hour Access

Posted in government, Grace, Jesus, Knowing God, Love, Salvation, The Father, The Righteous on January 25, 2011| Leave a Comment »

The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne.  He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. Psalm 11:4 (NIV)

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4:16

If I wanted to call the President of the United States, I would probably get no further than the operator at the White House.  If I showed up unannounced I would probably get arrested.  The President does not know me and I do not know anyone who has access to the President.  I am of no importance to the President.  The same goes for any celebrity, government official, king, prince, etc.  You have to know someone to reach a person of significance like the President of the United States.  But that is not how it is with God.

I have access to the Father at all times.  He is seated on His heavenly throne observing everyone on earth.  Jesus who is our High Priest died for our sins and we have been given His righteousness.  All those that belong to Jesus have access to the throne of grace.  We have direct access to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.  I may not be able to call the President but I can call God at any time.  We are told to boldly approach the throne.

Think about it.  The one who created heaven and earth; who sets the seasons and time; the one that is the Alpha and Omega, is accessible 24 hours a day seven days a week.  No appointment needed, no operator to contact.  Our relationship with the Father has been restored by our relationship with Jesus.

Not only do we have access to the throne but God already knows everything about us.  He knows our history, our worse days and our best.  He even knows the number of hairs on our head.  He knows our rising up and lying down.  He has hemmed us in and out.  He even knitted us together in our mother’s womb.  So when we call on Him, He answers.  He is always there and will never leave nor forsake us.

The President may not know me and I may not be welcomed at the White House; but the Father, He knows me and welcomes me anytime to boldly approach His throne of grace.  What a mighty God we serve.

Read Full Post »

Marriage of the Lamb

Posted in God's Glory, Jesus, The Body, The Righteous on January 23, 2011| Leave a Comment »

7“Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.”

8It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

9Then he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb ‘” And he said to me, “These are true words of God.” Revelation 19: 7-9

There are those that argue marriage is just a piece of paper having no real significance.  Marriage is actually a picture of Jesus Christ (the bridegroom) and the Church (the bride).  The church is actually those of us who have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  We know that Jesus will return for His bride and as Revelation states there will be a wedding feast.

As I think about the marriage supper of the Lamb I think of my own wedding.  Before I got married I had my father’s last name.  On my wedding day, I dressed in a beautiful white gown and wore a veil.  As I walked down the aisle I knew my life was forever going to change.  The groom and I exchanged vows and we were announced as husband and wife.  I turned to the crowd and I no longer had my father’s name but took  my husband’s name.  I was a new person, a wife and had a new name; I and my husband were now one.

The same thing happens to us when we join Jesus Christ.  The day will come when He will come for His bride and there will be a great wedding feast.  The bride and groom will finally meet.  On that day we will take His name.  We will be presented as belonging to Jesus.  He will be ours and we will be His forever more.  Nothing separating us, not even death.  I look forward to that day.  Don’t you?  Aren’t you glad your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life?  “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”

Read Full Post »

One Year Later

Posted in God's Glory, Healing, Prayer, Prophesy, The Righteous on January 12, 2011| 2 Comments »

4Then they will rebuild the ancient ruins,
 They will raise up the former devastations;
 And they will repair the ruined cities,
 The desolations of many generations.
5Strangers will stand and pasture your flocks,
 And foreigners will be your farmers and your vinedressers.
6But you will be called the priests of the LORD;
 You will be spoken of as ministers of our God
 You will eat the wealth of nations,
 And in their riches you will boast.
7Instead of your shame you will have a double portion,
 And instead of humiliation they will shout for joy over their portion
 Therefore they will possess a double portion in their land,
 Everlasting joy will be theirs.  Isaiah 61:4-7

It was one year ago a terrible earthquake hit Haiti.  Today there are still many places that are lying in ruin.  Many are frustrated with the rebuilding process that is taking so long.  The news reports that still about one million Haitians are still living in tents.  Billions of dollars in aid have been pledged but many wonder where the money is.  Not much has been said in the media about Haiti for the last several months.  Many of us in the world have gone on with our lives not thinking much about Haiti or the tragedy that still exists today.  But the pain, tragedy, and memory of one year ago still resonate with the people of Haiti and their families.

This past year shows that man will not rebuild Haiti.  No amount of money can rebuild this nation, only God can.  There is great comfort in the above scriptures because it is a promise from God that I believe is a promise for Haiti.  There are Haitians that fear God and have been calling on His name.  God has heard Haiti’s cry and He will rebuild this nation.  Isaiah 61:4-7 is God’s promise to Haiti.

God will be glorified in all that has happened in Haiti.  The nations will know it was only God that brought this nation back from ruin.  Haitians will testify all that God has done for them.  So don’t lose hope Haiti because the people have forgotten you.  God has not forgotten.  He will rebuild, He will restore, and everlasting Joy will be yours.

Read Full Post »

Tragedy in Tuscon

Posted in Love, The Righteous on January 11, 2011| Leave a Comment »

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

This past weekend a man started shooting at a shopping center where Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was meeting her constituents.  The man killed six people and wounded 14 including the congresswoman.  It is a tragedy and many are questioning the political rhetoric that has been taking place in the media and during the political campaigns.  This past year we have heard a lot of negative speech.  Some of the rhetoric has been full of hate.  So many are questioning if this type of speech led to this man’s shooting spree and targeting Congresswoman Giffords?  We may never know.

The bible says that a harsh word stirs up anger.  So we have to take responsibility that what we say does effect others.  Our words have consequences and can affect others.  So politicians and the media have to realize their negative speech is taken to heart by many and can stir up anger in people.

Since the shooting many in politics and the media have said that the political rhetoric needs to be toned down.  It is time to really watch what is said and know that it can cause others to do crazy things like go on a shooting spree.

We can disagree but we do not need to use negative words or hate to attack one another or tear each other down.  A gentle answer can also have a profound effect on a person; a gentle word can actually cause a person to turn away from their anger.  As Christians we should always look to have a gentle answer for someone, even an angry person.

Read Full Post »

Power of the Cross

Posted in Crucified, government, Jesus, Love, Salvation, Sin, The Righteous on January 5, 2011| Leave a Comment »

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

On January 4, 2011, the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial in San Diego was declared unconstitutional by a federal appeals court because of the 43 foot cross on top of the memorial.  The court ruled that the cross violated the constitutional ban on government sponsored religion.  This court case has been brewing since the 1980s.  More and more courts are finding public places that display the cross, bible or ten commandments as government sponsored religion.  I find this interesting because I thought the constitution protected religious freedom.

There has been a cross at Mount Soledad since 1913.  The cross was replaced in the 1920s and in 1954.  So this cross has been a symbol at Mount Soledad for almost 100 years, but today it was declared unconstitutional (“California Memorial Cross Found Unconstitutional” by Steve Gorman Reuters, January 4, 2011). 

Many are offended by the cross.  It is a Christian symbol and to us Christians it is a symbol and reminder that Jesus Christ died on the cross so that we might live.  Those who do not know Jesus see the cross as foolishness.  According to the courts, our government should not endorse nor display the cross anywhere on public property.  We know the cross represents the power of God.

We will probably see more and more cases being brought to the federal courts and even the Supreme Court regarding the use of religious symbols on public property.  It may seem as we are losing our religious freedoms but remember that the cross represents the power of God.

The court did not rule if the cross at Mount Soledad has to be removed, but even if it does come down the power of the cross is not diminished.  Nothing can nullify what happened on the cross.  It is because of the cross that we have been reconciled to God.  It is a symbol and reminder of God’s love for the world when He sent His only begotten Son Jesus to die for our sins.  Let’s pray that one day everyone will understand the true power behind the cross.

Read Full Post »

When Healing Does Not Come The Way We Want

Posted in Healing, Love, Salvation, The Father, The Righteous on December 21, 2010| 2 Comments »


15“For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them.

16“They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat;

17for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”  Revelation 7:15-17

This past weekend I received news that a boy we prayed for during our mission trip in Uganda died.  We met this 16 year old boy and his mother during our mission trip in Kumi, Uganda.  This boy was malnourished, mentally disabled, and had spent a lot of the time tied by the neck with a rope so he wouldn’t run away.  The Lord led us to pray for this boy, baptize him and rename him Peter.  We prophesied to Peter and His mother that God had great plans for him.  Peter gave His life to the Lord.  As we walked away God said the greater miracle of salvation took place.  I knew that even the angels in heaven rejoiced.  We looked forward to see what God was going to do in Peter’s life.  Unfortunately, sometime later Peter died.

There are times that physical healing does not come like we want.  We pray for family members to become well but there are those who do not make it.  I do not know why everyone does not get healed but I know God is a healer.

This past year, I know several people who lost their loved ones (parents, spouse, children) to sickness even after prayer and having faith that God would heal them completely.  As I reflect on Peter I am reminded about where Peter is and that is heaven.  The above scripture gives me such comfort in knowing that Peter is home.  I have no doubt that our meeting Peter was a divine moment orchestrated by God because on that day, Peter gave his life to Jesus, was baptized, and was renamed by God.  Today he sits in the very presence of God without pain, no longer hungry or thirsty, his suffering has ended.

I don’t know why Peter died.  I don’t know why others died even after the prayer of the saints.  I have learned to rejoice even in the death of the believer because their life has not ended but they simply have passed from this life to the next.

We must remember that God is always concerned most about the condition of a man’s soul.  Salvation is greater than any physical healing that can take place.  What if Peter was physically healed and hadn’t given his life to Jesus would he really be better off?  No.  That is why I rejoice because God chose to save Peter’s soul.  The day Peter gave his life to Jesus was the day death lost its hold on Peter’s soul.

Read Full Post »

Rejoice!

Posted in God's Glory, Prayer, The Righteous on September 17, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.  Philippians 4:4-8

The news is quite depressing.  There are so many problems going on and people are angry.  Many people are not happy with their life and do not have a positive outlook of the future.  Even the experts say these are tough times.  Yet God is still worthy to be praised.

Why dwell on the negative?  It takes so much energy and stress to worry and be angry.  Circumstances should not dictate how we feel.  We can set our minds on the things above and not on the things of this world.

Paul admonishes us to let our gentleness be known to all because the Lord is near.  We have no reason to worry because we can take everything to God in prayer.  We have peace that surpasses all understanding even in the midst of turmoil and in times we don’t understand why these things happen. 

Choose today to rejoice in the Lord and be glad.  Think about the excellent things God has done and will continue to do.  Remember when God got you out of that tough situation?  Remember when God answered your prayer at the moment all hope seemed lost?  Look at the lilies in the field, they don’t worry about when it will rain or when the sun will shine, they just are lilies in the field displaying the glory of God.  So rejoice, rejoice and again rejoice!  Then you will see the peace of God transcend all life’s problems.

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »